Profiting from drivers’ mistakes not leadership

At the end of March, I took my family on a road trip to southern Illinois. I picked Cedar Rapids as the place to stay for the night, both down and back.

In addition to paying for hotels, I spent money on restaurants, fuel and incidentals. I spent $300 to $350 in your city. Everyone we met was exceptionally kind.

Returning home, I received a letter indicating that I was being fined $75 by your automated speed enforcement program. I was the sole driver on a three-lane highway at 8:26 a.m. on a Sunday. At no time were we a safety hazard.

I am not disputing the facts of this charge. I am certain I was speeding and I also am certain I was not aware the speed limit had dropped. I did not purposefully exceed any speed limit on our journey by more than 4 mph to 5 mph. I believe in safe driving and protecting my family.

I take responsibility for my actions, but I am disgusted by your actions.

Collecting money off your highway through the use of hidden cameras, and a minimum level of human involvement, is nothing more than opportunistic, short-term vision; a lack of leadership. I paid my fine and that is the last personal or professional dollar I will spend in your city.

Eric Miller

Savage, Minn.